Eid al-Adha Celebration Unites Muslims Worldwide in Festivity and Reflection

Happy Eid al-Adha (Bakrid Mubarak) 2024: Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is the second-most significant festival in the Islamic calendar, following Eid al-Fitr. After the sighting of the crescent moon on June 6, 2024, Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in the Kingdom on Sunday evening, June 16, 2024. This date will also be observed by the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and other Arab states, as well as by Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other Western nations.

However, in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries, as well as South Africa, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated a day later, on Monday, June 17, 2024. This delay is due to the sighting of the crescent moon on June 7 in these regions.

Commonly called the “Festival of Sacrifice,” it commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim and the survival of his son, Ishmael. The story behind Eid al-Adha is rooted in the biblical account of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, to obey Allah. However, just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, an angel intervened, instructing him to sacrifice a lamb instead.

This act of devotion and obedience is what Eid al-Adha celebrates. On this day, Muslims worldwide come together for a grand feast, which is not limited to family gatherings but also extends to friends and the needy. The idea behind this is that no one should go hungry on this holy day.

As part of the celebrations, an animal is sacrificed as an offering to Allah, and the feast is prepared using the meat. People are encouraged to dress in their finest attire and indulge in the best food available. Another popular custom among children is collecting money and sweets from elders, known as ‘eidi.’ This practice is a way for children to learn the value of sharing and giving during the holiday season.

The date of Eid al-Adha varies, as it falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. This year, Eid al-Adha marks the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience to Allah.